All vehicles (whatever their age) must be tested and inspected to ensure they are mechanically fit and of good appearance before a licence can be granted (section 50 LGMPA).
We will conduct routine full fitness tests as listed below:
Vehicles from new and less than six years old – every 12 months
Vehicles six years old but less than ten years old – every 6 months
Vehicles ten years old and above – every 4 months
You can take your vehicle for a vehicle test up to 28 days prior to the expiry of the current vehicle test date without any loss of days on the existing vehicle licence. The new vehicle licence commencement date will run consecutively to the expiring licence.
Vehicles that require testing must be tested at the Dudley taxi testing facility. The vehicle must be booked in for the test through the licensing office and under no circumstances will the vehicle be examined at the testing facility without a prior appointment.
The production of insurance is now accepted via verified email. An administration fee of £39 has been introduced in respect of late production of insurance where enforcement/admin action has been instigated and also a further fee of £39 to cover the administration charges of producing an amended licence if this is required by the driver.
All drivers will be required to undertake a new DBS check every three years.
This involves a search of your individual criminal record to establish whether you are a suitable person to drive members of the public. The DBS is a central organisation that deals with all checks of criminal records for the Council.
All operators are required to undertake a basic DBS check.
If you are not taken directly to the "Start New Application" page, please click on "Start Application" in the box entitled "Standard / Enhanced DBS Application" to enter the system and start your application.
Please note at the stage of the process your login details are case sensitive.
1. Enter the Organisation Reference of EXTERNALTAXI
2. A Password is NOT required
Once you have completed the online application you will need to make an appointment with an ID Checker in the Licensing Team who will check your identity as part of the DBS application.
More details about the DBS and their on-line application tracking service can be found on GOV.UK.
All drivers will have to undergo a medical examination to assess your fitness to drive a licensed vehicle. You must meet the required standard of fitness DVLA group 2.
All applicants are required to undertake a medical examination when they apply for their first licence.
All drivers aged between 19 and 45 will then be exempt from repeat medicals unless their medical condition changes and they are required to inform both DVLA and the Licensing Authority.
At age 45 a further examination should be undertaken, then every three years up to the age of 65.
Once the age of 65 is reached a medical examination will be undertaken every year.
PLEASE NOTE: IF THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER HIGHLIGHTS ANY CONCERNS THE MATTER WILL BE REFERED TO THE HEAD OF SERVICE WHO WILL DETERMINE THE REQUIRED FREQUENCY OF YOUR MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
Details of medical process will be provided on receipt of application
All new hackney carriage driver applicants are required to undertake a law and local knowledge test, along with a driving assessment. New private hire driver applications will no longer have to undertake the local knowledge test from April 2025 but will still be required to undertake the law test and driving assessment.
All new operators will also will be required to undertake a law test.
These tests are designed so that you understand what is expected of you as a licensed driver in Dudley.
A pack providing further details will be provided on application.
